The 2024 NTT IndyCar Series journey is nearing its end, and all eyes are on Nashville Superspeedway this Sunday (Sept. 15) for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix championship finale. Two-time champions Alex Palou and Will Power are set to battle on the 1.33-mile banked oval in a showdown to see who will take their third Astor Cup trophy.
While other storylines swirl around this historic return to the Nashville oval for the first time since 2008, the spotlight firmly belongs to Palou, who leads the championship, and Power, who has been chasing the Spaniard over the last few months. Power is looking to achieve a Herculean effort that could etch his name in Australian folklore as he attempts to snatch the title from the seemingly unstoppable Palou.
The 2024 season began back in March at St. Petersburg, a race mired in controversy involving Power’s Team Penske. Now, months later, redemption is on the table for the squad if luck aligns and he pulls off the upset.
Beyond the title battle, this race holds special significance for other drivers as well. Some will be making their final appearances with their current teams, hoping to secure one last victory or at least a good run to end the year. With the 3-month offseason looming large, drivers and teams alike are eager to figure out what’s missing and avoid a painful hiatus before engines roar to life next year at St. Pete.
New Track, New Finale
Since 2021 IndyCar had raced through the streets of Nashville and many expected that to continue when the event was moved to the season finale. However, construction at the Tennessee Titans’ stadium and miscommunication over approvals for downtown streets led to a change in venue. While it’s unclear if this will be a short-term shift beyond 2025, IndyCar fans are the real winners, as the championship will now be decided on an oval – a rarity since 2014.
Oval races have been a fan favorite for championship showdowns, offering more dynamic racing than street courses. However, the Nashville oval’s return after 16 years raises an important question: how will the race unfold? The series hasn’t been to the track since 2008 and back then it was known for having a narrow groove. But there’s hope.
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